PSA: Jinxi Ancient Town (Kunshan, Suzhou) – You've Been Warned!

[Jermaine Satterfield]

Hello everyone! I've been wandering around the areas near Shanghai again, this time exploring places within a two-hour drive.

• Where did you go this time?

  • Jinxī Ancient Town (锦溪古镇)! This ancient town is located in Kunshan (昆山) in Jiangsu Province (江苏省). It takes about one to two hours to drive from Shanghai, not too far away.

• How crowded was it there?

  • Oh my gosh, it's packed with people, so crowded that it's difficult to move around! I guess it might be because it is now the season to enjoy hairy crabs.
    • A little fact: Hairy crabs are a type of river crab that is unique and especially delicious during autumn in this area. Many people come specially here for the taste.

• First impression of the ancient town:

  • When step into the town, you can hear street vendors' cries selling things, as well as the roosters crowing on the streets!
  • There are also live chicken and ducks for sale right by the roadside! (It reminded me how it looked when I used to walk to school as a kid, hahaha.)

• What about the scenery?

  • The town does have an authentic Jiangnan water town atmosphere, with characteristics like abundant waterways, numerous bridges, and historical architecture.
    • Another fact: "Jiangnan" refers to the region south of the Yangtze River in China, known for its many waters, bridges, ancient buildings, and poetic beauty.
  • There is a bridge in town that would look stunning if lotuses were blooming.

• ️ Important Reminder! Must Read! ️

  • But! But! Apart from these, there really, I mean really, isn't much else that is particularly remarkable or worth seeing in this ancient town.
  • Staying overnight? Not recommended at all! ‍️ Believe me, you'll regret staying overnight there.

• Is it worth the visit then?

  • If you happen to be passing through Kunshan, or going somewhere nearby, you can drop by for a casual stroll.
  • You can experience a different kind of "flavor of human life" – an earthy, authentic, and lively vibe compared to big cities.
  • But if you take a special trip just for Jinxī, though, personally, I think you may end up feeling a bit disappointed.

Hope my sharing is helpful for you guys! #JiangnanWaterTown #AncientTownTravel #ShanghaiSubwayTour #TravelComplains #HonestTalk

[Miss Angela Cormier]

It's ten yuan to go on this bridge.

[Hugo Witting]

Hahaha, that's why I didn't go up

[Marc Price]

That little place, 'Grandma Jiang's Local Cuisine,' is terrible. The food isn't fresh, portions are tiny, and it's all pre-cooked dishes. The meat was even spoiled. Definitely don't go!

[Courtney Hickle Jr.]

Yeah, the portions are small and the taste is just so-so.

[Kristopher Schultz PhD]

@miiiinhooooo @Lib. @Joe_shieng [Awkward moment]

[Franklin Weimann IV]

No need to stay overnight, but it's quite nice for a stroll, especially since there's no entrance fee.

[Mrs. Beverly Glover-Crist]

Warning! Avoid 'Grandma Chunfeng' in Jinxi Ancient Town. They sold me spoiled 'freshly squeezed sugarcane juice' – it was an earthy yellow instead of the usual light green, totally unlike others. It made my stomach churn horribly.

[Mr. Carlton Johnston]

We went, and it's really suitable for a family outing. There are quite a few farmhouse inns around. We booked one here called 'Xishang Farmhouse,' where we sang karaoke, ate, and played mahjong with the family. Strolling through the ancient town in the evening was surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable.